Device and method for applying substances to a body

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device and method for self application of substances to a body. The device, and use thereof, functions to facilitate the application of any type of lotion, cream, ointment, oil or medication. The device achieves complete and efficient coverage of all types of substances to the hard to reach areas of the body, including the back, shoulders, legs and feet.

REFERENCE TO PENDING APPLICATIONS

This application does not claim the benefit of pending application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for self-application of substances to a body, particularly to a device having an applicator pad and a manipulation member to facilitate the application of substances to difficult-to-reach areas.

2. Description of the Related Art

Applying formulations; including lotions, creams, ointments, oils, sunscreens, sun tan lotions, sun blocks, insect repellents, or medications to various parts of the body is often necessary when skin becomes dry, irritated, rough or abraded due to exposure to harmful conditions, or to protect skin from insects or damaging exposure to sunlight.

The application of such formulations, however, to difficult-to-reach areas of the body is a challenge to many people, especially the elderly or people with reduced mobility due to a medical condition, infirmity or lack of flexibility. Areas which present most difficulty are typically the back, shoulders, legs and feet.

Devices for applying such formulations to difficult-to-reach areas have been described in the prior art. For example: US6851154 describes a device having a washable applicator member having a defined thickness comprising a first layer of material and a second layer of material which is, at least in part, non-absorbent and preferably water repellent material. The second layer of the applicator member is also structured with an absorbent layer providing a contact surface for applying substances to the body. Elasticized extension members secured to the applicator member and attached handles allow the device to be used without straining the muscles of the arms or shoulders. The applicator member may be structured with securement apparatus which enables a separate disposable or reusable applicator pad to be detachably attached to the applicator member, thereby enabling the user to apply lotion via the applicator pad and then remove the applicator pad for disposal or cleaning for reuse. The elasticized straps are preferably formed from elasticized material, the modulus of elasticity of which allows the elasticized straps to be stretched to a maximum length of a person's wingspan. The applicator may be formed with a first layer of soft, washable material and a middle portion. The second layer comprises a layer of non-absorbent and preferably water repellent material. A securement structure is positioned along the second surface of the applicator for securing a detachable applicator pad. The detachable applicator pad may be formed of an absorbent material layer to which lotion, or another substance, is applied for contact with the skin. The material layer may be a washable material or fabric.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,897 discloses an apparatus for application of lotions, balms and creams to a person's back area including interchangeable applicators each having a removable connection through which lotions is introduced to the applicator. Soft, flexible tubing transmits the lotion throughout the interior of the applicator having a series of small apertures allowing the liquid-based material to be dispersed onto the applicator pad when gently squeezed. In use, a person pulls the pad back and forth across their back using the long straps attached to each end. The straps comprise a durable and resilient material and may be elastic. The application pad is envisioned to be fabricated of rectangular-shaped application pad sponge in a plurality of dimensions; however, the application pad may also comprise a plurality of protrusions such as, but not limited to: cylindrical, square, or other shapes. The terry cloth or other fabricated surface is preferably washable allowing a user to selectively apply lotions or other substances. Alternatively, the bottom side and/or the longitudinal and lateral sides may comprise protuberances or the like to utilize as a massaging device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,006 describes a lotion applicator and massaging apparatus including a pair of opposing substantially U-shaped handles with an attachment plate attached to each of their respective terminal ends. The two opposing attachment plates each have a plurality of cords extending from an opposing side with a snap style connector at their distal ends. The lotion applicator and body massage assembly comprising a pair of opposing U-shaped handles each covered with a foam sleeve. Attached to the terminal ends of each U-shaped handle is an attachment plate having a plurality of cords extending from an opposing side thereof. A distal end of each cord has a snap connector for matably engaging a corresponding snap connector on an accompanying assembly pad. Different accessory pads are described, and are preferably constructed with a dry weave fabric or a similar material that is washable allowing a user to selectively apply lotions, gels, creams or oils.

US 20060248672A1 discloses a lotion applicator that enables lotion to be applied to hard to reach body parts without assistance from another person. The applicator includes an elongated main body having a first end and an opposing second end, and a front surface and a rear surface. Handles can be provided at the first end and at the second end of the elongated main body. The elongated main body being capable of stretching. A loop can be formed adjacent at least one of the first end or the second end. An applicator pad removably secured to the front surface of the main body. The applicator pad can be a disposable wipe of lotion. The elongated main body being capable of stretching. A loop can be formed adjacent at least one of the first end or the second end. An applicator pad removably secured to the front surface of the main body.

US20040247368A1 describes a chamois for applying suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks to hard-to-reach areas of the body including a soft, pliable center section and a pair of side sections including one each of a pair of straps at opposite ends thereof for grasping in a user's hands to be operable by a sawing motion, and with the center section having a durable, synthetic fabric material which is semi-absorbent to receive suntan lotion, sunscreen and sunblock liquids directly sprayed or poured thereon as a cream or oil thereby applying suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks in hard to reach areas of the body. Such chamois will be understood to incorporate a soft, pliable center section having a durable, synthetic material on at least one of its front and rear opposing surfaces, which is semi-absorbent to the suntan lotion, sunscreen and sunblock liquid to be sprayed or poured thereon. Side sections including one each of a pair of straps are then included. A preferred embodiment of the invention is one in which the center section of the chamois includes the durable, synthetic material on both of the front and rear opposing surfaces, with the synthetic material being washable.

US20040208683A1 discloses an apparatus for use in applying lotion to a portion of a body of an individual includes first and second handles which are connected with a lotion dispensing section. The lotion applied to the back of the individual with the lotion application apparatus may be a liquid having medicinal, cosmetic, and/or cleansing properties. For example, the lotion application apparatus 20 may be utilized to apply sun tan lotion or a moisturizing lotion to a back 22 or another portion of an individual's body.

US20160295995A1 describes a lotion applicator for allowing a user to apply any of a variety of lotions, creams, medications, or ointments to various portions of the user's body without the assistance of another person. The lotion applicator includes an elongated strap of material having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends each have a handle thereon so that a user can hold an end of the elongated strap in each hand. A central portion of the elongated strap is configured to receive a lotion or cream thereon for application to a body part of the user, such as the user's back. A central portion of the elongated strap is adapted to receive lotion thereon. In some embodiments, the central portion comprises a pad on which the user may deposit the lotion and that helps to indicate to the user where lotion should be positioned. In alternate embodiments, the central portion comprises a lotion impregnated therein so that the user does not have to manually deposit lotion onto the elongated strap.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,318B2 discloses a back applicator including a base plate and first and second straps coupled to opposed sides thereof and extending in opposed directions. At least one of the straps is length adjustable such that the length of the applicator device may be selectively changed. The back applicator also includes an applier that is selectively and removably coupled to the base plate. The applier may be a sponge to which a lotion may be applied or that may be pro-loaded with lotion. The first and second straps 120 extend in opposed directions from the base plate. A single strap may be used instead of two distinct straps. Handles may be included at outer ends of the straps. The applier may include a sponge or another material appropriate for spreading lotions, and the sponge may or may not include a pre-applied lotion. Various sponges may have various types of lotions, such as suntan lotion, body lotion, insect repellant.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,419A describes a resilient body having opposed faces connected together by a wall to form a soap receiving chamber. Opposed straps attached to the body form a handhold for enabling a person to scrub his back with the body portion. This invention relates to apparatus for scrubbing, massaging, and applying lotion to ones back comprised of a′ resilient body having opposed faces bounded by a side wall within which a bar of soap or a container of liquid can be removably stored for use. Opposed straps attached to and depending from the body enables a person to hold a strap in each hand in order to scrub or massage his back.

The devices described above each have one or more unfavorable features, or lack an advantageous feature, which render the device unsuitable in some respect for use as an applicator device. Most of the devices have applicators made from absorbable material that is either designed for single use or that requires washing after each application. Moreover, the absorbable nature of many applicators results in wasting significant quantities of often expensive formulations and medicaments.

Thus, it would be advantageous in the art to provide a device for self-application of substances to the back, shoulders, legs, feet and other difficult-to-reach places of the body. Preferably the device is structured to be easy to use, and designed to be able to apply preparations and formulations of varying consistencies to various parts of the body with little or no waste of the preparations and formulations.

Thus, there is a need for solution to the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided device for applying substances to a body comprising: an applicator member, sized for applying a substance to difficult-to-reach areas of the body, the applicator member having a first and second surface and first and second opposing ends; a first and a second attachment opening positioned respectively at the first and second opposing ends of the applicator member; and one or more manipulation members cooperatively associated with the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening, wherein when the substance is spread onto either the first or second surface of the applicator member, it can be can be applied to the body by reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using the device of invention, comprising: attaching the one or more manipulation members to the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening; spreading the substance to be applied to the body to the first or second surface of the applicator member producing an applicator surface; positioning the applicator surface on the area of the body; applying a tensioning force to the one or more manipulation members; and applying a reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members, wherein the substance to be applied is massaged onto the area of the body.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided an applicator member that is non-absorbent. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an applicator member that is fabricated from closed cell foam. In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an applicator member that is washable.

In accordance with yet an additional aspect of the invention there is provided an applicator member fabricated to have different textures on the first and second surface of the applicator member.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention the one or more manipulation members are selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention the first and a second attachment opening are selected from slits, holes, slots.

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, portable mattress seat, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the device 200, according to an further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a part 300 of the device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a part 300 of the device 100 in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the device 600, according to an further embodiment of the present invention.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. The invention, however, is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

The present invention describes a device and method for self-application of substances, including but not limited to lotions, creams, ointments, suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks, oils, insect repellents, medicaments and the like. It features a non-absorbent applicator attached to one or more manipulation members. It allows for the application of substances to difficult-to-reach areas of the body, such as but not limited to, the back, shoulders, legs and feet. It is convenient, affordable, compact, portable and easy to use for adults, children, the elderly and by people with limited mobility.

The non-absorbent applicator reduces waste as it will not absorb substances, but it is durable, wipes clean and is washable. The method of using the device is simple; the substance to be applied to the body is loaded onto the applicator. Loading is typically achieved by pouring, spraying or spreading. The applicator is placed over the area on the body to be treated; the opposing ends of the manipulation members are held and pulled back and forth and up and down across the area of the body to be treated, thereby applying the substance to the difficult-to-reach area.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, a top perspective view of the device 100 is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 comprises an applicator member 102, having a first surface 104 and a second surface 106. The applicator member 102 further has a first attachment opening 108 and a second attachment opening 110 positioned at opposing edge 116 and 118 of the applicator member 102. The first attachment opening 108 and the second attachment opening 110 are shown as a slit that is sized to accommodate the desired manipulation member 120. The first attachment opening 108 and second attachment opening 110 are typically of similar size and shape. They and can be a slit, hole or slot but must be sized to form a firm friction fit with the chosen manipulation member 120.

In some embodiments, the applicator member is fabricated from a non-absorbent, closed cell foam and/or washable material. Further, the applicator member may be fabricated to have different textures on the first and second surface of the applicator member.

A manipulation member 120 is cooperatively associated with the first attachment opening 108 and the second attachment opening 110. The manipulation member 120 having a first end 112 and a second end 114. Further, manipulation member 120 may be selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.

In this particular embodiment of the invention, the user loads the substance to be applied to the body onto the second surface 106 of the applicator member 102. The user then grips the first end 112 of the manipulation member 120 with one hand and grips the second end 114 of the manipulation member 120 with the other hand. By alternately pulling on the first end 112 and second end 114 of the manipulation member 120, the user can effectively apply the desired substance to the user's body, including difficult-to-reach areas.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of the device 100 is described according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 comprises an applicator member 102, having a first surface 104 and a second surface 106. The applicator member 102 further has a first attachment opening 108 and a second attachment opening 110 positioned at opposing edge 116 and 118 of the applicator member 102. A first manipulation member 210 is cooperatively associated with the first attachment opening 108 and a second manipulation member 212 is cooperatively associated with the second attachment opening 110. The first manipulation member 210 having a first end of the first manipulation member 202 and a second end of the first manipulation member 204. The second manipulation member 212 having a first end of the second manipulation member 206 and a second end of the first second end of the second manipulation member 208.

In this particular embodiment of the invention, the user loads the substance to be applied to the body onto either the first surface 104 or the second surface 106 of the applicator member 102. The user then grips first end of the first manipulation member 202 and the second end of the first manipulation member 204 with one hand and grips the first end of the second manipulation member 206 and the second end of the second manipulation member 208 with the other hand. By alternately pulling on the first manipulation member 210 and the second manipulation member 212, the user can effectively apply the desired substance to the difficult-to-reach area.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, which illustrate a top perspective view of the first surface 104 and the second surface 106 of the device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4-5 illustrate different textures of the surface of the applicator member 102 that can be used in different embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention the applicator member 102 can be manufactured having different textures on either side. For example, FIG. 4 shows a ridged first surface 304 and shows a smoother second surface 106. Substances having lower viscosity, such as oils and lotions, typically adhere to a first surface 104 having ridges or pimples, whereas FIG. 5 a smoother second surface 106 can be used to apply substances having higher viscosity, such as creams or ointments.

If the device 100 is being used with one manipulation member 120, as shown in FIG. 1, then the applicator member 102 is positioned such that the desired texture is the first surface 104.

The invention described herein, and illustrated by reference to the various embodiments, encompasses an applicator member 102 that can be various different shapes and sizes. The applicator member 102 can be fabricated from various different materials, including but not limited to non-absorbent fabrics, washable fabrics or foam pads such as closed cell foam. It can be made to have different textured surfaces designed to interact differently with substances of different viscosities, or to deliver differing massage functionalities. The applicator member 102 is designed to be of an appropriate size, shape and flexibility for the body area to be treated. The applicator member 102 can be made to display a design or logo.

The first and second attachment opening, 108 and 110, can also be various different shapes and sizes, such as slits, holes or slots and are designed to cooperate with the applicator member 102 and the manipulation member 120. The first and second attachment opening, 108 and 110, are typically sized to form a friction fit with the manipulation member 120.

The manipulation member 120 can be made from various different durable and resilient material such as elastic, straps or cloth, typically a scarf

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a device 600 includes an applicator member 602, having a first surface 604 and a second surface 606. A manipulation member 620 has a first end 612 and a second end 614 and is cooperatively affixed with the first surface 604. The manipulation member 620 may be position across the first surface 604 of the applicator member 602 and is affixed proximate to the edges of the application member 602. The manipulation member 620 may be affixed by one or more fasteners 622, such as adhesive, staples, snaps, hook and mesh fasteners and other similar fasteners. The manipulation member 620 may be selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the side wall retention apparatus may vary upon manufacturing.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment(s) were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for applying substances to a body comprising: an applicator member, for applying a substance to difficult-to-reach areas of the body, the applicator member having a first and second surface and first and second opposing ends; a first and a second attachment opening positioned respectively at the first and second opposing ends of the applicator member; and one or more manipulation members cooperatively associated with the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening, wherein when the substance is loaded onto either the first or second surface of the applicator member, the substance can be applied to the body by reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein one manipulation member is associated with the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening, and the substance to be applied is poured, sprayed or spread onto the first surface of the applicator member.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is non-absorbent.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is made from closed cell foam.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is washable.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second surface of the applicator member is fabricated to have different textures on each surface.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator member is essentially square or rectangular in shape.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the substance to be applied is selected from lotions, creams, ointments, suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks, oils, insect repellents, and medicaments.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more manipulation members are selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and a second attachment opening are selected from slits, holes, slots.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the areas of the body are selected from back, shoulders, legs and feet.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein a logo is positioned on the first and second surface of the applicator member.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and a second attachment opening are slits and the one or more manipulation members are scarves.
 14. A method of using the device of claim 1, comprising: attaching the one or more manipulation members to the first and second opposing ends via the first and the second attachment opening; loading the substance to be applied to the body to the first or second surface of the applicator member producing an applicator surface; positioning the applicator surface on the area of the body; applying a tensioning force to the one or more manipulation members; and applying a reciprocating action of the one or more manipulation members, wherein the substance to be applied is massaged onto the area of the body.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and the second attachment opening are selected from slits, holes, slots.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the applicator member is selected from a material that is non-absorbent, a closed cell foam or washable.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second surface of the applicator member is fabricated to have different textures on each surface.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more manipulation members are selected from straps, scarves, cloth and elastic.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the substance to be applied is selected from lotions, creams, ointments, suntan lotions, sunscreens and sun blocks, oils, insect repellents, and medicaments.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and a second attachment opening are slits and the one or more manipulation members are scarves. 